When we think of the civil rights movement, we tend to think of grainy footage of marches and speeches, Selma, Ala., and the National Mall.

But our generation, too, is a part of that movement and has a critical role to play. It has been a long journey for our country, but we are now close to finally realizing our founders’ vision of a society where all are created equal and endowed with the same inalienable rights.

It’s time to end the discrimination based on sexual identity or orientation that is the only form of institutionalized discrimination still permitted in our society. That is why I am working to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and am committed to equal rights for all Americans.

Tune in tomorrow at approximately 7:55 p.m. eastern time to watch President Obama’s remarks at the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner. The event will be covered by C-Span and be broadcast live and streamed online.

Even before penning her official response [to questions regarding claims made by the Yes on 1 ads], State Attorney General Janet Mills said today, she’s aware of the [Yes on 1] ads, and pretty sure she knows what her answer will be.

“I’m appalled at those ads as well. I have no reason to believe that a vote on Question One allowing the law to stand would dictate any change in the curriculum in Maine schools.”

On Sunday, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans – and their allies – will travel from nearly every corner of the country to converge on Capitol Hill and call on lawmakers to support full equality for the LGBT community. The event, named the National Equality March, comes on the heels of growing calls for the federal government to pick up the pace on civil rights legislation, such as recognition for LGBT couples, repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and finally passing an inclusive employment non-discrimination act. Organizers say they are expecting tens of thousands – if not hundreds of thousands – of participants for the event.

Steve and Joe, however, will be notably absent.

The couple, who recently married in Connecticut and bought a home in Washington, D.C., will not be in the capital on Sunday. Instead, they will be packing Joe’s belongings. Under federal law, Steve and Joe are no longer allowed to live together in the country they call home.